The Amorim team scores the first goal for the sixth consecutive game
Manchester United’s frailties were once again in evidence as Dean Huijsen gave Bournemouth a 30-minute lead at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Ryan Christie’s free-kick found defender Huijsen at the back post, who curled a header past goalkeeper Andre Onana to put the Cherries on course for a fourth win of what would be a five-match unbeaten run.
“What a start for Bournemouth,” former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown told BBC Radio 5 Live. “They could drift it, they didn’t have to do too much. Dean Huijsen just looks it in and it goes into the top corner.”
Just a quiet lad scoring at Old Trafford 🍒 pic.twitter.com/UnnyCpseIb
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
Man United vs Bournemouth: Huijsen’s goal
Bournemouth made a bright start before going in front, although United twice went close through Bruno Fernandes in the half.
Kepa Arrizabalaga denied the United captain with a fine save, while the Portugal playmaker sent another effort wide.
United have conceded the first goal in each of their last six games under new manager Ruben Amorim, who left striker Marcus Rashford out of his squad for the third game in a row.
Tottenham, Manchester City, Viktoria Plzen, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal scored the first goals in Amorim’s previous five games.
Among the six changes from their 4-3 Carabao Cup final defeat at Tottenham on Thursday, Joshua Zirkzee replaced Rasmus Hojlund in attack and full-back Tyrell Malacia makes his second league appearance of the season.
“It’s my decision, I want to see the best of my players” 💬
Ruben Amorim comments that Marcus Rashford has been left out of the squad 🔴 pic.twitter.com/dLiBMEPBA3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
Premier League table
The Red Devils started the day in 13th place but knew they could leapfrog Bournemouth with a second consecutive league win following their 2-1 final triumph at Manchester City the previous Sunday.
The Cherries, meanwhile, would climb to fifth place with three points, beating Aston Villa and reigning champions Manchester City.
Manager Andoni Iraola opted to hand midfielder Tyler Adams his fifth start in 10 league games since returning from a back injury in mid-October.
The American international replaced Lewis Cook as his side secured a third consecutive away win, having beaten Wolves and Ipswich Town.
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